7 'Weaknesses' That Actually Benefit You

Our parents tell us to grow thicker skins, our teachers tell us laziness breeds contempt, and our bosses tell us were just too nice to be respected leaders. Its time to take a second look at these so-called weaknesses and reevaluate their roles in our lives and careers.

Some of the worlds greatest inventors procrastinated for years before ever pulling the trigger on their bright ideas. Steve Jobs was known for his direct and sometimes brutal honestybut you could always count on him to tell it like it is.

Scroll through these seven character traits with a fresh eye and learn how you can embrace your weaknesses instead of fighting them.

1. Anxiousness

I find myself awake at night worrying about what might happen in a particular situation or going through the what-ifs. Although this has led to many missed nights of sleep, it has also helped me methodically work through some barriers and problems, looking at more angles than I would have if I hadnt worried. I just have learned to worry about the right things and not everything.Cynthia Johnson, American Addiction Centers

2. Laziness

As Bill Gates said, I will always choose a lazy person to do a difficult job because he will find an easier way to do it. Deep down, I love spending time with people and building things (like companies). Id do that even if I werent paid to do it. That said, I hate wasted energy with a passion. I hate doing things because thats the way its done and frequently find shortcuts that prove successful.Brennan White, Cortex

[Though widely attributed to Bill Gates, it's not totally certain whether or not he is the originator of the "lazy person" quote. -- ed. note.]

3. Being Too Nice

In my world of tough, drawn-out negotiations, Ive been doubted as being too nice and unable to effectively close deals. But this trait is a driver of my success. By legitimately placing clients goals first, I am able to build a trustthat goes beyond a contract. And if I need to say no or be firm on a requirement, people know that it is nonnegotiable.Mark Daoust, Quiet Light Brokerage, Inc.

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